Where do tours depart from and how does pick-up work?

All tours include complimentary hotel pickups from central Queenstown hotels. If you are staying outside central Queenstown or in alternative accommodation, we can usually arrange a pickup for you.

Please select your hotel from the dropdown menu when booking. If your accommodation is not listed or you are unsure, simply note where you are staying in the booking notes and we will confirm your pickup location and time with you.

How many people are on each tour?

We keep our daily tours to a maximum of 12 adults to ensure a personalised and interactive experience. If you have a larger group or would like a private tour, we can accommodate almost any size. Just send us your details through the enquiry form.

Do you have a minimum number of people needed for your tours?

While our tours require a minimum of 2 people to run, single travelers are generally welcome, as there are usually other guests booked on the tour. The exception to this is our Twilight Star and Wine Tour requires 4 people to run.

Are children welcome on our tour?

Children aged 6-17 are welcome on our daily wine tours. Children of any age can join our Queenstown Highlights Tour, while those aged 5 or under are welcome on private tours.

Can you buy wine and do vineyards offer shipping?

Yes – all vineyards offer shipping, though availability depends on the destination country. Each vineyard will run through these options at the end of your tasting. If there is a particular wine you are interested in trying or purchasing, please let us know when booking.

What is included in our tours?

Our tours are all inclusive, with food, transport and wine tastings at each winery included in the price. You are more then welcome to purchase any favourite wines during the tour to take home or have shipped to your address.

Which wine regions and vineyards do Appellation Wine Tours Visit?

We believe that to truly experience Central Otago wine, you need to go beyond the Gibbston Valley.
Appellation Wine Tours specialises in exploring Central Otago’s most celebrated wine sub-regions, including:

• Gibbston Valley (Valley of the Vines): home to pioneering vineyards and dramatic scenery.
• Bannockburn: renowned for its concentrated yet elegant Pinot Noir.
• Cromwell/Lowburn: known for beautifully balanced aromatic wines and outstanding Chardonnay.

To gain a genuine “Central Otago” experience, we believe it’s essential to venture into the Bannockburn and Cromwell regions and tastes their award-winning varietals.

Our Gourmet Food and Wine Tour and Boutique Wine Tour both visit the Gibbston wine sub-region (approximately 25 minutes from Queenstown) and the Bannockburn/Cromwell

Wine sub-regions (a further 25 minutes through the stunning Kawarau Gorge).

Our Classic Wine Tour focuses solely on the Gibbston Valley, visiting a carefully curated mix of larger, well-known wineries and smaller, family-run boutique vineyards.

Each sub-region has its own microclimate and story. We hand-select vineyards known for quality, warm hospitality, and distinctive winemaking philosophies. Expect a mix of iconic estates and hidden gems that give you a true taste of Central Otago.

What Vineyards do you Visit?

We like to vary our vineyard visits from day to day, however some vineyards are exclusive to specific tours. Below is a selection of vineyards that may be visited on each tour, but please feel free to mention any preferences in the notes section when booking.

Gourmet Food and Wine Tour
Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Domain Rd, Terra Sancta, Te Kano, Carrick (tasting only), Akarua, Mt Difficulty, Misha's Vineyard, Domaine Thompson, The Stoaker Room (lunch venue), The Church.

Boutique Wine Tour
Peregrine, Amisfield, Chard Farm, Kinross, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Matt Dicey, Terra Sancta, Te Kano, Carrick (lunch venue), Akarua, Mt Difficulty, Misha's Vineyard, Domaine Thompson, The Church.

Classic Wine Tour
Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt Rosa, Waitiri Creek, Brennan, Amisfield, Peregrine, The Church.

How much do your wine tours cost?

Our Queenstown and Central Otago wine tours vary in price depending on the experience selected, inclusions, and tour style. We offer a range of small-group and private wine tours, including the Classic Wine Tour, Boutique Wine Tour, Gourmet Food & Wine Tour, and premium experiences such as Helicopter and Wine Tour + Twilight Stars and Wine Tours. Current pricing can be viewed directly on each individual tour page, with all tasting fees and transport included unless otherwise stated.

How long are the wine tours?

Tour durations vary depending on the experience chosen. Our Classic Wine Tour is typically an afternoon experience of approximately 3.5 hours, while the Boutique Wine Tour and Gourmet Food & Wine Tour generally operate as full-day experiences. Private and custom wine tours can also be tailored to suit your preferred schedule, timings, and pace. Complimentary pickup and drop-off within Queenstown are included for most tours.

What should I wear on a wine tour?

We recommend dressing comfortably and appropriately for the season, as Central Otago weather can change quickly throughout the day. Comfortable footwear is recommended, particularly for vineyard walks or winter conditions. During cooler months, we suggest bringing a warm jacket, while summer guests are encouraged to wear sun protection, sunglasses, and light layers. Smart casual attire is perfectly suitable for all wine tour experiences.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes. We can cater for most dietary requirements and food preferences with advance notice, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and many allergy-related requests. As many of our wine tours include vineyard lunches or gourmet food pairings, we recommend advising us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so arrangements can be made with the venues in advance.

When do your wine tours operate?

Our wine tours operate year-round and run on most days of the week, including weekends and public holidays. Daily departures are available for our most popular small-group wine tours, while private and custom tours can often be arranged to suit your preferred date and timing. Availability can vary during peak travel periods, particularly over the New Zealand summer season and major holidays.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly during Queenstown’s busy summer season, long weekends, school holidays, and major events. Small-group wine tours often sell out in advance due to limited vehicle capacity and boutique vineyard availability. While last-minute bookings are sometimes available, booking ahead helps secure your preferred tour, date, and pickup location.